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Holden Comprehensive

Contact Information

200 Hawkins Drive Iowa City, Iowa 52242
(319) 356-1616

The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center (HCCC) is located in Iowa City, Iowa near the University of Iowa’s campus. The center was established in 1980, and was awarded its federal credentials in 2000 from the National Cancer Institute. The credentials gave the center the right to assume the designation of Cancer Center. The Holden Cancer Center later received a designation of Comprehensive Cancer Center. Currently, two-thirds of the 65 National Cancer Centers hold this designation.

The center offers multiple services and care to individuals suffering from cancer. Services include cancer research, patient cancer education, cancer treatment, grief counseling, religious counseling, hospice partnerships, and support groups. Staff at the center may also supply information for temporary lodging, financial assistance and other pertinent information to make the treatment bearable. Holden Center provides service for rare cancers, such as mesothelioma caused by asbestos inhalation.

Clinical studies are conducted at Holden Cancer Center. Over 300 clinical trials are available to eradicate and treat cancerous growths. Many of the trials are in Phase II and Phase III. Therefore, patients suffering from rare cancerous diseases may participate in trials that may extend their life. Several studies involving the use of Cisplatin in combination with other drugs are in progress. Patients willing to accept controlled risks associated with clinical trials may benefit from reduced costs for medical care.

The Governor of Iowa, Chet Culver, signed a bill after a request from the University of Iowa to encourage insurance coverage for individuals participating in clinical trials. The bill ensures that routine care costs for participating patients are covered. Currently, the bill only addresses private health care insurance companies. Federal insurance programs will not cover patients participating in clinical trials.

Only about 2 percent of the nation’s afflicted population will participate in clinical trials. The low number is generally due to patient skepticism or accessibility to trials. Currently, at Holden Cancer Center, ten percent of current patients are participating in clinical trials. Since the bill passed in mid-February of 2010, University of Iowa expects this number to increase.

Cancer Research at the University of Iowa is divided into six categories:

Cancer Immunology

The immune system is a large part of the cancer fighting process. The more researchers learn about the body’s natural mechanisms to destroy and eliminate cancer, the easier drug development becomes.

Cancer Signaling

Cancer cells tend to reproduce at a faster rate than most cells in the body. Scientists aim to discover the causes of accelerated growth through the study of cell cycle development. Treatments are developed to encourage cessation of cancer development.

Free Radical Studies

Free radicals encourage the growth of cancer cells. Certain levels of free radicals are necessary in the body’s immune response. Excessive amounts of free radicals for extended time periods may contribute to cancerous growth. Scientists at the University of Iowa are researching their role in cancer development. Pharmacologists use the information to develop drugs designed treat multiple stages of cancer development.

Cancer Epidemiology

A partnership between the University of Iowa College of Public Health and Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center was formed to study cancer mortality rates. The study aims to increase the longevity of lives affected by cancer.

Gene Therapy

Gene Therapy is a cutting edge cancer treatment designed to target mutated DNA involved in cancer development. The goal is to either repair or force cancerous cells to self-destruct.

Medical Imaging

Medical Imaging is a technique used to locate cancerous tumors within the body. Oncologists utilize medical imaging for diagnosis and to monitor the affects of clinical drugs on tumor growth.